Newborn anthropometry plays a critical role in detecting growth abnormalities, malnutrition, and other health concerns early on, enabling timely intervention. Key measurements include weight, length, head circumference, chest circumference, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC).
Until last year, Jyotsna Suresh Patel, an ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) in Daman’s Kachigam village, had to carry a heavy weighing machine over her shoulder and climb multiple floors to weigh newborns. The process was time-consuming and often stressful for both the worker and the parents. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming this process, allowing ASHAs to obtain precise newborn measurements, known as anthropometry in medical terms, within seconds using a smartphone.
Importance of Newborn Anthropometry
Newborn anthropometry plays a critical role in detecting growth abnormalities, malnutrition, and other health concerns early on, enabling timely intervention. Key measurements include weight, length, head circumference, chest circumference, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC).
Bridging a Critical Gap in Infant Health Monitoring
Under the Home-Based Newborn Care (HBNC) program launched in 2011 in India, ASHAs visit newborns at specific intervals—on days 3, 7, 21, and 42 after birth—to track growth and identify potential health risks. However, traditional weighing methods posed challenges.
“The digital weighing machines are heavy and difficult to carry across rough terrain. To address this, the government introduced the Salter scale, which, while portable, was uncomfortable for the baby and prone to unstable readings,” explains Dr. Sneha Nikam, Senior Program Manager at Wadhwani AI.
Shishu Maapan: AI-Powered Newborn Measurement
AI has now streamlined the process with Shishu Maapan, an advanced AI-driven tool developed by Wadhwani AI. This solution enables frontline health workers to capture a 15-second smartphone video of the newborn, from which precise anthropometric measurements are extracted in real time.
How Shishu Maapan Works
- Smartphone Video Capture: The ASHA records a short video of the unclothed newborn placed on a flat surface beside a wooden ruler.
- AI Processing: The AI model extracts key measurements, including weight, height, head circumference, chest circumference, and MUAC.
- Offline Functionality: If internet connectivity is unavailable, the data is stored in the app’s cache and automatically syncs when connectivity is restored.
- Privacy Protection: Videos are not stored on the device—they are deleted immediately after measurements are extracted.
- Automated Scheduling: The app tracks HBNC visits, reducing manual effort and minimizing missed check-ups.
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Enhancing Efficiency and Accuracy
Shishu Maapan significantly reduces the burden on ASHAs and improves accuracy. Unlike traditional methods, which required direct handling of newborns, this AI-powered tool minimizes physical contact, easing parental concerns. Aruna Jadhav, an ASHA worker at CHC Moti Daman, shares, “Earlier, we had to manually track HBNC visit dates and intervals. Now, Shishu Maapan automatically schedules the next visit for us.”
By integrating AI with public health initiatives, Shishu Maapan is revolutionizing newborn care in India, ensuring timely and precise health tracking while reducing the workload of frontline health workers. As AI-driven innovations continue to evolve, such tools promise a future where newborns receive the best possible start in life with minimal effort and maximum accuracy.
